While it remains unclear where the ill individuals picked up the bug, the common connection appears to be a flight all of the affected shared from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the story stated.

Dr. Mysheika LeMaile-Williams, medical director for the city of Columbus, said: "It''s also possible they were exposed to something here in Columbus, and we''re concerned about that."

Hand sanitizers have been installed on the walls at the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion and cleaning staff stepped up disinfecting of bathrooms, water fountains, the pool deck and benches, among other things, the story noted.

The championships, originally scheduled to start yesterday, instead began today at noon to provide time for the student-athletes to get through the "48-hour sick period" generally observed with norovirus, the story added.